Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs.

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We’ve gathered a list of happenings that you won’t want to miss.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
March 12 – April 27
Copley Theatre
ParamountAurora.com

Six quirky contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious fan-favorite musical. With coming-of-age themes that all current or once-upon-a-time adolescents can relate to, this Tony Award-winning musical is wildly comedic and equally touching. Showtimes vary by date.

Downers Grove North Friends of Fine Arts Dessert Showcase
March 22 from
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Downers Grove North High School Commons
DGN-FOFA.org

DGN Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting the fine arts students at Downers Grove North High School. This special event will feature gourmet desserts, a student art show, and live performances by DGN’s talented music students. It’s an evening celebrating the arts while supporting the community’s next generation of creators and performers. Funds from ticket sales, raffle items, individual and company sponsors, and event donations go to DGN FOFA’s scholarship and clinician support, as well as summer grants and college scholarships.

Robbins Park Egg Hunt
April 12 from
9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Robbins Park in Hinsdale
VillageofHinsdale.org

The Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department and The Community House present the 2025 Egg Hunt! Children 11 and under and their families are invited to hunt for treats and visit with the Easter Bunny. Times are scattered for each age group. Visit the village website for more information.

Doggie Eggstravaganza
April 19 from
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Berens Park in Elmhurst
ExploreElmhurst.com

The Elmhurst Park District is making sure that no family members are left behind when it comes to spring festivities, including your furry friends! Dogs of all sizes can join in the fun by hunting for eggs in the park. Note that all dogs must be kept on a non-retractable leash, be current on all vaccinations, visibly wear tags, and must be accompanied by at least one person age 16+. No registration is required for this paw-some free event!

Country in the Park
May 3 from
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Downers Grove Museum
DGHistory.org

The Downers Grove Park District, Downers Grove Public Library, and Downers Grove Historical Society present Country in the Park, which is part of the annual Downers Grove FoundersFest celebration. Families have an opportunity to visit with farm animals and try out 1850s pioneer-era games, live music, and more! Take a trip back in time with this free event and celebrate the history of Downers Grove.

Art in Wilder Park. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Art Museum

Art in Wilder Park
May 3-4 from
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wilder Park in Elmhurst
ElhurstArtMuseum.org

Elmhurst Art Museum presents the 28th Art in Wilder Park. The free two-day event draws thousands of visitors from all over the Midwest, with artists selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, fiber arts, and delicious treats from local food vendors. The event is about uniting creativity and community and will feature booths by over 80 Midwest artists, 10 nonprofits, 10 food vendors, 10 Kids Court participants, and 20 other local business partners.

Walk for Wellness House
May 4 at 8:00 AM
Home of Hope
WellnessHouse.org

Walk or run your way through the streets of Hinsdale for the annual Walk for Wellness House fundraiser. Wellness House offers no-cost services as a complement to medical treatment to educate, support, and empower individuals impacted by cancer. Since 1990, Wellness House has supported over 41,000 people. Every donation made to the Walk for Wellness House ensures that there is absolutely no charge for all programs and services.

West Suburban Symphony. Photo courtesy of the West Suburban Symphony

May the Fourth (and Force) be with us all
May 4 at 3:30 PM
Hinsdale Central High School
WestSubSymphony.org

Calling all Star Wars fans! Join the West Suburban Symphony in a tribute to the epic music of Star Wars and film composer John Williams, led by Maestro Peter Lipari. They’ll showcase two amazing medleys of Star Wars music from the original trilogy of movies: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. They’ll also bring you Williams’ Raiders March and Liberty Fanfare. Costumes are welcome! Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 65 and up, and $5 for teenagers. Children 12 and younger can enjoy it for free.

Oak Brook Park District Annual Pink 5k
May 10 at 8:00 AM
Central Park in Oak Brook
OBParks.org

Help fight breast cancer by participating in the Oak Brook Park District Annual Pink 5k. Runners/walkers can enjoy this fun, family-friendly, scenic race while feeling confident they’re making a difference. 100% of the net profits from registration will be donated to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. This outreach fund was established in 2011 to support breast cancer patients and their families. Every $250 donated provides a free mammogram to women in need.

 

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Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

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